Despite the Kremlin's attempts to convince that its newest and "one-of-a-kind" T-14 Armata main battle tank is famous not only for the fact its engine stalled during a parade on the Red Square, but was actually deployed in real combat in Syria and Ukraine, russia's largest military industrial conglomerate Rostec finally admitted that nobody needs this advanced tank.
The statement comes from Sergey Chemezov, Head of Rostec himself, in an interview with RIA Novosti state-owned news agency. He explained the situation, as follows: "The Armata, it is, generally, expensive. In terms of its functionality, of course, it is much superior to existing tanks, but it is too expensive, so the army is unlikely to use it now. It's easier for them to buy, let's say, the T-90s," said Chemezov.
Read more: Russians Show Platoon of T-14 Armata Tanks That Still Hasn't Appeared on Actual Frontline
Basically, we have one of the highest-level officials in the entirety of russian military-industrial complex, under whose leadership the tank was created, admitting that it is not intended for war. Note that Chemezov has headed Rostec since 2007, and Uralvagonzavod, the tank's maker, is part of this conglomerate as well.
The T-14 Armata was developed for over ten years, or rather it was a continuation of a Soviet project, with billions of rubles invested in the process. The Kremlin-controlled media of course won't ask him why that happened.
In addition, the Rostec chairman admitted that the Ministry of Defense of the russian federation has no interest in the T-14 Armata either, because it lacks the money to buy units upon production. All the funds are currently allocated for restoration of old Soviet vehicles, such as the T-54 and T-62 tanks retrieved from long-term storage.
"Now the money is needed to produce new tanks, new weapons, more, maybe cheaper. That's why, if there is an opportunity to buy something cheaper, why not?" Chemezov added.
On a reminder note, back in 2015, russia announced it would build 2,300 Armata tanks and other combat vehicles based on it by 2020.
Earlier, Defense Express reported that Uralvagonzavod was preparing to resume the abandoned production of the T-80 tank, a project sacrificed back in the day in favor of the T-14 Armata. We also covered what problems Armata is facing in terms of financing, component supply, and even personnel training.
Read more: russia's Tank Stocks Are Running Out: More and More Outdated Equipment Is Being Used by Invaders Against Ukraine
